Until now, Netflix offered only one type of subtitle in the original language for its films, series, and documentaries. The streaming leader was content with subtitles labeled with the word (CC), namely Closed Captions, or closed captions in French. This category of subtitles doesn't just appear when there is dialogue. It also includes audio information: sound effects, music, tone of voice, etc.
When watching a series on Netflix in the original version with subtitles in the same language, you have probably already come across mentions like [distressing music], [slamming door], or even [shaky voice]. This information is primarily intended for deaf or hard of hearing people, in order to offer them a complete experience of everything that happens on the screen. For someone without hearing problems, these elements can quickly become annoying.
What does this change for Netflix subscribers?
Netflix has realized this. The SVOD platform has just announced the arrival of a new category of subtitles, "which only show spoken dialogue." These subtitles do not include audio clues about what is happening on screen, or the intonation used. screen, or on the music being played. They are not designed for the hearing impaired.
As indicated, this change only concerns subtitles in the original language. For example, English subtitles on an original English production. For foreign subtitles, there generally already existed an option without Closed Captions.
The new subtitles appeared on the fifth season of the series You, available since Thursday, April 24, 2025. When you "open the language switcher while watching the new season, you will now see two English subtitle options: English, which only displays spoken dialogue, and English (CC), which includes both dialogue and audio cues," explains Netflix.
They will be offered on all content that will be broadcast from now on. Unfortunately, they won't be available for older titles, at least not immediately. Netflix clarifies that the new feature isn't just for its original English-language shows. These subtitles will be "available on all new Netflix original content in all languages." They are limited to Netflix productions. Movies and series from other studios are not affected.
Source: Netflix
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